Albino ‘magic’ forces 10 000 into hiding

NAIROBI, Kenya – The mistaken belief that albino body parts have magical powers has driven thousands of Africa’s albinos into hiding, fearful of losing their lives and limbs to unscrupulous dealers who can make up to US$75 000 selling a complete dismembered set.

Mary Owido, who lacks pigment that gives colour to skin, eyes and hair, says she is only comfortable when at work or at home with her husband and children.’Wherever I go people start talking about me, saying that my legs and hands can fetch a fortune in Tanzania,’ said Owido, 36, a mother of six. ‘This kind of talk scares me. I am afraid of going out alone.’Since 2007, 44 albinos have been killed in Tanzania and 14 others have been slain in Burundi, sparking widespread fear among albinos in East Africa.At least 10 000 have been displaced or gone into hiding since the killings began, according to a report released this week by the International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies.East Africa’s latest albino murder happened in Tanzania’s Mwanza region in late October, when albino hunters beheaded 10-year-old Gasper Elikana and chopped off his leg, the report said. The killing left Elikana’s father, who tried to defend his son, seriously injured.The surge in the use of albino body parts as good luck charms is a result of ‘a kind of marketing exercise by witch doctors,’ the International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies said.The report says the market for albino parts exists mainly in Tanzania, where a complete set of body parts – including all limbs, genitals, ears, tongue and nose – can sell for US$75 000. Wealthy buyers use the parts as talismans to bring them wealth and good fortune.’Albinism is one of the most unfortunate vulnerabilities,’ said International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies Secretary General Bekele Geleta. ‘And it needs to be addressed immediately at an international level.’Some African communities believe that albinos are harbingers of disaster, while others mistakenly think albinos are mentally retarded and discourage their parents from taking them to school, saying it’s a waste of money, he said.Due to a lack of education, many albinos are illiterate and are forced into menial jobs, exposing them to the sun and skin cancer, he said. Those who manage to finish school face discrimination in the work place and are never considered for promotions. – Nampa- AP

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